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bellaa's review
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Format: Background, overall thoughts, likes, critiques, miscellaneous
Background: I first bought this book in 2019 because I thought it looked intriguing. I then spent the next three years attempting over and over again to start and power through it, until I realized this is not really a book that you attempt to power through. This is a book you take chapter by chapter, line by line, with time in between. When I realized that, it became a lot easier to consume and enjoy because I knew I would be able to take time away from it eventually.
Overall thoughts: I thought it was a good book. It was alright. The world-building was spectacular, the writing itself was very detailed, I found myself enjoying it at a lot of parts. But then, Murakami would write something (and I'm blaming him for this) that took me completely out of it, often relating to the character's sexual preferences. This could be an incredible book had Murakami's editor taken a more liberal red pen. I also think this book was attempting to be a lot more thought-provoking than it was. The story was superfluous at times, probably around 600 pages to long. However, I do think it is a good book to be read by people willing to overlook some of the more out-there statements Murakami just throws in for the fun of it.
Likes: Again, I like the poetic writing, the world-building, and (at some points) the characters. These are all things Murakami excels at. He can make things intricate, detailed, and interesting. He also has shining moments in between the fluff. It is impossible to not see the appeal of this book when it comes to these things.
Critiques: But then we get to the critiques. Firstly, it's long. That much is obvious. It is long and while there is nothing necessarily wrong with it, I don't think it does Murakami himself much good. Does he write incredibly well, simplistic yet detailed? Yes, absolutely. Does the long form of the novel give way to much of Murakami's personal fetishes and sexual fantasies? Also yes (more on that later). The story becomes too much, lost in a way that I'm not sure Murakami intended.
Secondly, the characters' insecurity. I'm not hating on anyone for being insecure, but God, Murakami's characters are some of the most insecure, self-obsessed, and boring people I have ever met. The female main character's obsession with her small breasts, the male secondary character that is constantly reminding us how ugly and unlikable he is. Etc. Etc. Etc. I'm done with it. I'm tired. I don't need to be constantly reminded of how much these characters, and everyone around them, finds them ugly and unlikable and a million other adjectives boiling down to insecure. Murakami, make your characters confident 2022.
Thirdly, the sexual shit. Tengo does not need to keep reminding us of a) his mothers' sexual affair in front of him that he constantly has flashbacks to (that he then recreates with his girlfriend and it makes him nut immediately???), b) his lack of attraction (but possible, there's always a possibility) for the teenage girl he is in a very confusing friendship with, and c) his constant masturbation over a hand touch from a girl he knew once when he was ten. Aomame, for the first half of the book, reminds the audience of her fetish for balding older men every chapter, or even twice every chapter. Additionally, the constant mention of her forays into homosexuality without any tangible results just frustrated me. I firmly believe Murakami just finds lesbians sexually attractive but refuses to condone homosexuality (no tangible evidence, just opinion lol). That brings the list of Murakami's sexual shit that he included in this book up to five: Oedipus complexes (??), pre-pubescent hand-touching (/j), women's ears, women's breasts (constantly, fucking constantly), and lesbians.
[Massive TW for this paragraph: pedophilia, graphic descriptions of sex]
Then, we get to the canon-necessary pedophilia. And I say canon-necessary because it is literally built into the world that the pedophilia is necessary for the religion and for the world. The male main character is literally described as unable to move a singular muscle while the teenage girl fucks herself on him. Firstly, why the ever-loving, god-forsaken fuck would you write that. Second off, not loving the idea that the grown man is literally forced to be helpless, while an insatiable teenage girl gets fucked by him. Feeling very eh on that one Murakami. He was teasing pedophilia the entire book and then finally gave it to us (like we even wanted it??), then attempted to make us forget it happened by having Tengo and Fuka-Eri not bring it up after it happened. But Tengo kept bringing it up in his internal monologue and like half-condemn it, but also be like "It's not my fault, I couldn't move :/"
Miscellaneous: Fuka-Eri may essentially be a manic pixie dream girl, but I love her. She deserves the world. Wish this book had been about her and only her.
Conclusion: Murakami, get a fucking editor
Background: I first bought this book in 2019 because I thought it looked intriguing. I then spent the next three years attempting over and over again to start and power through it, until I realized this is not really a book that you attempt to power through. This is a book you take chapter by chapter, line by line, with time in between. When I realized that, it became a lot easier to consume and enjoy because I knew I would be able to take time away from it eventually.
Overall thoughts: I thought it was a good book. It was alright. The world-building was spectacular, the writing itself was very detailed, I found myself enjoying it at a lot of parts. But then, Murakami would write something (and I'm blaming him for this) that took me completely out of it, often relating to the character's sexual preferences. This could be an incredible book had Murakami's editor taken a more liberal red pen. I also think this book was attempting to be a lot more thought-provoking than it was. The story was superfluous at times, probably around 600 pages to long. However, I do think it is a good book to be read by people willing to overlook some of the more out-there statements Murakami just throws in for the fun of it.
Likes: Again, I like the poetic writing, the world-building, and (at some points) the characters. These are all things Murakami excels at. He can make things intricate, detailed, and interesting. He also has shining moments in between the fluff. It is impossible to not see the appeal of this book when it comes to these things.
Critiques: But then we get to the critiques. Firstly, it's long. That much is obvious. It is long and while there is nothing necessarily wrong with it, I don't think it does Murakami himself much good. Does he write incredibly well, simplistic yet detailed? Yes, absolutely. Does the long form of the novel give way to much of Murakami's personal fetishes and sexual fantasies? Also yes (more on that later). The story becomes too much, lost in a way that I'm not sure Murakami intended.
Secondly, the characters' insecurity. I'm not hating on anyone for being insecure, but God, Murakami's characters are some of the most insecure, self-obsessed, and boring people I have ever met. The female main character's obsession with her small breasts, the male secondary character that is constantly reminding us how ugly and unlikable he is. Etc. Etc. Etc. I'm done with it. I'm tired. I don't need to be constantly reminded of how much these characters, and everyone around them, finds them ugly and unlikable and a million other adjectives boiling down to insecure. Murakami, make your characters confident 2022.
Thirdly, the sexual shit. Tengo does not need to keep reminding us of a) his mothers' sexual affair in front of him that he constantly has flashbacks to (that he then recreates with his girlfriend and it makes him nut immediately???), b) his lack of attraction (but possible, there's always a possibility) for the teenage girl he is in a very confusing friendship with, and c) his constant masturbation over a hand touch from a girl he knew once when he was ten. Aomame, for the first half of the book, reminds the audience of her fetish for balding older men every chapter, or even twice every chapter. Additionally, the constant mention of her forays into homosexuality without any tangible results just frustrated me. I firmly believe Murakami just finds lesbians sexually attractive but refuses to condone homosexuality (no tangible evidence, just opinion lol). That brings the list of Murakami's sexual shit that he included in this book up to five: Oedipus complexes (??), pre-pubescent hand-touching (/j), women's ears, women's breasts (constantly, fucking constantly), and lesbians.
[Massive TW for this paragraph: pedophilia, graphic descriptions of sex]
Miscellaneous: Fuka-Eri may essentially be a manic pixie dream girl, but I love her. She deserves the world. Wish this book had been about her and only her.
Conclusion: Murakami, get a fucking editor
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Death, Death of parent, Pedophilia, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Pregnancy
It does not necessarily condone pedophilia, but it essentially becomes written into the worldview like "Oops, has to be done!"j_abby's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Dementia, Misogyny, and Stalking
Minor: Homophobia, Infertility, Kidnapping, Lesbophobia, and Torture
shelbytheduck's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I cant tell if it is the worst book ive ever read or my favorite. I feel like i want to reread it but the 1000 pages were a struggle and I dont think i could read it again for a very long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Torture, Child abuse, Murder, Pregnancy, Rape, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, and Sexual assault
maac's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Grief, Incest, Kidnapping, Death, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Stalking, and Suicidal thoughts
GODD THIS WAS SO EW i would rather put my finger in a mouse trap before i interact with this ok basically EVERY SINGLE WOMAN (which totaled to about 6) had a sexual relationship with the men. INCLUDING a 17 year old girl. which murakami attempts to justify?!??!??? the only reason i finished this was because i was so far in. all the women are over sexualized, the plot drags on but is still somewhat interesting to keep you reading (or bc u got like 500 pages in and figured u might as well finish it), all of it just makes you feel sick and while there’s some interesting parts none of the sickening parts needed to be addedajhoppel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death of parent, Death, Dementia, Domestic abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Torture
andreanicole's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Death
qi_'s review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
omg get fucked i actually read it. will write a full review later
- book 1 = a much slower character study and can see that people might stop reading at this point since the plot meanders for while. however, since i enjoy character driven stories i didn't mind.
- book 2 = plot picks up but not as fast as i expected. start to uncover the background but still was left unsure of where the plot would go because it was still a little bit stagnent.
- book 3 = plot picks up again but it didn't feel rushed and was actually still quite slow and i was approaching the end and was still like so what is gonna happen. it did feel a little repetitive between the perspectives though.
- ending = i have so many questions but im not mad about it ?? i would have gladly read another couple hundred pages just to answer the questions. however, i still felt satisfied which is quite weird.
overall, i enjoy murakami's writing style and the what the fuckery that he brings is here (aND MORE)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
blueberryhotel's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
the most unrealistic part of this book wasn’t the two moons in the sky, or the weird cult that makes doppelgängers of young girls, or the parallel universe thing. it was that aomame is supposedly heterosexual
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, Death, and Incest
Minor: Death of parent, Dementia, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Torture, and Violence
mudkipmillie's review
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book, although one of Murakami’s most famous, is definitely not up there as one of his best for me. The ending is HIGHLY unresolved, and not in Murakami’s typical “up to interpretation” type ending. It is truly unresolved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
dorathebald's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Really love Aomame's morally-ambiguous character but Tengo is annoying af.
Also the over-sexualisation of minors and insinuating that they wanted sex with a much older adult is just fucked up.
Also freshly-baked boobs. wtf is that.
Also the over-sexualisation of minors and insinuating that they wanted sex with a much older adult is just fucked up.
Also freshly-baked boobs. wtf is that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Infertility, Murder, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Slavery, Stalking, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Pregnancy, and Slavery
Minor: Confinement